In a braking system with multiple independent hydraulic circuits, if one hydraulic brake system fails, what component can still power the brakes?

• A. Another hydraulic system
• B. The accumulator
• C. The emergency generator
• D. The parking brake

Answer: (B)

When a braking system has multiple independent hydraulic circuits, a stored-energy device can provide the needed pressure even if one circuit fails. The accumulator acts as that backup, storing hydraulic energy under pressure and releasing it into the brake lines when demand arises. This allows the brakes to function for a limited time or distance despite a failure in one hydraulic circuit, keeping the braking capability intact.

The other options don’t serve as the active backup source for braking pressure in this scenario. An additional hydraulic system would only help if that system is still functioning, but the question is about a failure of one circuit. An emergency generator supplies electrical power, not hydraulic pressure, and the parking brake is a separate mechanism used for holding or parking, not the primary source of braking power during a hydraulic failure.